PDA and ADHD: What’s the Connection?

What we know about this unusual personality profile found in autistic individuals

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum that is characterized by an intense fear of and resistance to demands.

People with PDA often have a strong need for control, and may feel overwhelmed or anxious when they are asked to do something they do not want to do.

PDA can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to learn, socialize, and function independently.

PDA is a relatively new term, and there is still some debate about whether it is a separate condition from autism or simply a different presentation of autism.

There are a number of key features that are commonly associated with PDA, including:

• Intense fear of and resistance to demands
• A strong need for control
• Difficulty understanding and following instructions
• A tendency to be oppositional and defiant
• Social difficulties
• Restrictive interests
• Sensory sensitivities